Upright Sleep System

ABSTRACT

An upright sleep system includes a base pillow and a top pillow. The base pillow includes a tapered shape, including a top edge having a top edge thickness and a bottom edge having a bottom edge thickness less than the top edge thickness. A user may rest his or her head against the top pillow or base during use, and the base pillow supports both the top pillow and the user&#39;s torso and arms. By utilizing the upright sleep system the users head, neck, chin, torso and arms can be supported. The base pillow and tether provide a stable support for the top pillow to prevent the top pillow from becoming dislodged while the user rests. A base passage in the base pillow is shaped to receive a user&#39;s arm or arms to further enhance comfort and support. In some embodiments, the base and top pillow include an inflatable chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/378,344 entitled “Upright Sleep System”filed on Dec. 14, 2016 and which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM

LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods foraiding in sleep, and more particularly to pillows and associated itemsfor aiding in sleep while seated in an upright position.

Pillows are commonly used to aid in sleep, rest and rehabilitation innumerous settings such as but not limited to at home, hospitals orduring any mode of transit for travel, and during and after medicalprocedures and for chronic medical ailments. In many circumstances,people travelling or with short term, long term or chronic medicalconditions are required to remain in an upright or semi-upright positionsitting in a seat, on a chair, or in a bed for extended periods of time.Prolonged periods of sitting in the same spot are generally notconducive to getting quality sleep. Such prolonged periods of sittingupright may be experienced during travel on an airplane, train, bus,automobile or any other mode of transport. Similarly, prolonged periodsof sitting upright may also be required during or after medicalprocedures such as shoulder surgery, various types of plastic surgery,sinus surgery, orthopedic surgery or eye surgery. Additionally, sleepingor sitting in an upright position may be a prescribed treatment fornumerous medical conditions such as sleep apnea, digestive issues,irritable bowel syndrome, vertigo, acid reflux and multiple otherconditions.

Achieving quality sleep while sitting in an upright or semi-uprightposition is difficult for most individuals. Users typically attempt touse a pillow or other soft cushion to support the head, neck, chinand/or arms while attempting to sleep upright. However, conventionalpillows do not resize, lack firmness and are difficult to position insuch a way that they provide the right amount of support to the head,neck, chin torso and arms to allow quality sleep. Additionally,conventional pillows are too large and bulky to be feasible or practicalfor use for many modes of travel and in many medical applications.

Others have recognized the difficulties associated with sleeping in anupright position and have developed modified pillows and cushions toattempt to overcome the problems of conventional pillows. For example,numerous travel and medical pillow devices are available. Such devicesfor travel are generally more compact than conventional pillows and maybe shaped to fit around a user's neck or shoulder to provide head andneck support. However, these conventional travel pillows are generallyuncomfortable and fail to provide adequate support for the head, neckand chin much less the arms and torso. This often leads to users noddingor generally being unable to achieve a comfortable position for sleepingusing such devices. Medical pillows may lift the head up, but generallydo not address semi elevated and fully upright posture or support thehead and neck.

Conventional travel and medical pillows may become unsanitary as theyoften do not include any interchangeable exterior that can be taken offand cleaned. Conventional travel pillows are also often arranged in oddshapes and configurations, leading to users feeling as if they lookridiculous when using them. In sum, conventional travel pillow devicesdo not provide adequate head, neck, chin, arm and torso support when auser is sitting in an upright position that allow the user to sleep andwithout feeling that the device creates an odd personal appearance.

What is needed, then are improvements in devices used for aiding insituations rest and sleep are needed for a prolonged period when a useris seated in an upright or semi-upright position.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention generally provides an upright sleep systemincluding a base pillow and a top pillow. The base pillow includes apassage defined through the base pillow allowing passage of a user'shand or arm. The top pillow may be adjusted to take various shapes,based on the user's preference, including a regular rectangular shape ora bow-tie shape. A tether selectively connects the top pillow and basepillow to prevent the top pillow from being lost or from falling ontothe floor or ground during use, moving positions or during transport.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an upright sleepsystem including a pliable top pillow and a base pillow. The base pillowprovides a stable support for the top pillow head, neck and chin, aswell as the torso and arms, such that the top pillow doesn't fall awayfrom the user's body when the user is sleeping. The base pillow, wheninflated, includes a trapezoidal profile when viewed from the side insome embodiments. Alternatively, the malleable base pillow may include asubstantially rectangular profile. Both the base and top pillow mayinclude a cushion material to provide comfort and support to a userbased on their preference of sleeping position. Such cushion materialmay include any suitable filler including but not limited to a foammaterial, an open-cell foam, a closed cell foam, a memory foam, textilematerial, beads, feathers, natural fibers, artificial fibers, or othersuitable filler materials. This may be part of the pillow, or thepillows may have a layer of this cushion material.

In further embodiments, the present invention provides an upright sleepsystem including a top pillow and a base pillow, wherein the top pillowand/or base pillow are inflatable. In such embodiments a valve isdisposed on each pillow to allow a user to selectively inflate ordeflate the pillow to adjust to the size of the user and the position ofthe pillows. Each pillow may be self-inflating in some embodiments. Inadditional embodiments, as self-expanding filler material is disposedinside the top pillow or bottom pillow to provide additional ease ofinflation and comfort to the user.

An additional feature of the upright sleep system includes a tetherbetween the top pillow and base pillow to prevent the top pillow fromfalling onto the floor or ground during use, moving positions or duringtransport. Additionally, the top pillow and base pillow each may includean interchangeable pillow case to be used as a cover. The top pillowcase may be reversed or removed to be cleaned or to change theappearance or texture of the top pillow. The top and base pillowcasesmay have pockets for arms and storage in some embodiments. Similarly,the base pillow case may be removed to be cleaned or to change theappearance or texture of the base pillow. An external storage bag mayalso be included to house the top pillow, base pillow, pillow cases andother accessories during storage or during transport.

In additional embodiments, base pillow and/or top pillow may serve asflotation devices during emergency situations such as during air travel.

Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading ofthe following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a base pillowsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a top pillowsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a top pillowcase in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a top pillowin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a top pillowcase in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a toppillow in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of anupright pillow system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an upright pillowsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an upright pillowsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by a user in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an uprightpillow system in use by multiple users in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of atop pillow in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of abase pillow in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an upright pillowsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an upright pillowsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a base pillowin use by a user in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, various views of embodiments of anupright pillow system and components therefor are illustrated. In thedrawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, forthe sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,”“lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal” etc. refer tothe apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawings or similarorientations. A person of skill in the art will recognize that theapparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

An embodiment of an upright pillow system 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Uprightpillow system 10 includes a base pillow 12 and top pillow 14. Basepillow 12 is generally larger than top pillow 14, and base pillow 12provides a support for a user to position top pillow 14 against duringuse. Base pillow 12 and top pillow 14 are used in combination to providenumerous support configurations. Base pillow 12 generally provides asupport on which top pillow may be positioned. Depending on the seatingconfiguration of the user, top pillow 14 may be arranged in manydifferent positions to provide optimal support and comfort to a user.Base pillow 12 has a flat platform region 16 located on the base pillowupper edge 24, shown in FIG. 3. Top pillow 14 is generally placedagainst platform region 16.

Alternatively, in some applications it is desirable to orient basepillow 12 in an inverted embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18 and FIGS. 24and 25. In these embodiments, top pillow 14 rests against the thinnerside 22 of base pillow 12 and is oriented upwardly, and the thicker side24 is oriented downwardly. Top pillow 14 rests against the thinner side22 of base pillow 12 either in an upright orientation as seen in FIG. 24or in a more flat orientation as seen in FIG. 25.

Base pillow 12 and top pillow 14 are connected together using a tether40, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Tether 40 includes a connector thatprevents top pillow 40 from being inadvertently dropped on the ground orfloor during use, moving positions or during transport. Tether 40 maytake many different shapes and sizes, and generally provides a length ofmaterial sufficient to provide a connection between top pillow 14 andbase pillow 12. Tether 40 is selectively removable from base pillow 12and/or from top pillow 14 using one or more tether connectors such asVelcro, magnets, snaps or buttons. In other embodiments, tether 40 maybe secured to a base pillow case positioned over base pillow 12 at afirst tether end, and secured to a top pillow case positioned over toppillow 14 at a second tether end that may be attached with Velcro,magnets, snaps or buttons or any other type of connective device.

Referring further to the base pillow 12, as seen in FIG. 3, base pillow12 includes a generally flat shape having a front and a back andincludes a base lower edge 22, a base upper edge 24, a base first sideedge 26 and a base second side edge 28. Upright pillow system 10 isshaped to allow for use in various semi reclined or upright seatingconfigurations, including seating during travel and at home, hospital orwork. As seen in FIG. 3, base pillow 12 includes a base lower edge 22having a lower edge thickness 36 and a lower edge width 38. Similarly,base upper edge 24 includes an upper edge thickness 32 and an upper edgewidth 34. In some embodiments, lower edge width 38 is substantiallyequal to upper edge width 34. To form a desired shape, in someembodiments, upper edge thickness 32 is greater than lower edgethickness 36. The upper edge thickness 32 is approximately twice thelower edge thickness 36 in some embodiments fully expanded. Such aconfiguration provides a base pillow 12 having a first side edge 26 andsecond side edge 28 each having a generally trapezoidal shape.

By providing a lower edge thickness 36 less than upper edge thickness32, the upright pillow system is readily adapted for use in variousseating configurations. Seating configurations in airplanes,automobiles, buses, trains and other transportation generally provide anarrow space between a user's legs and adjacent armrests. The reducedlower edge thickness 36 allows the lower edge of base pillow 12 to beinserted between or on top of a user's leg and armrest of a seat orchair, as shown for example in FIG. 12 and FIG. 19. Dimensioning theupper edge thickness 32 greater than the lower edge thickness 36 allowsa user to have adequate support at the upper end of the base pillow 12while still being able to fit the lower edge 22 of the base pillow 12 ina narrow space in a close-quarters seating environment.

Referring further to the base pillow 12, a base passage 30 is defined inbase pillow 12 from the front side to the back side in some embodiments.Base passage 30 provides an opening for a user to insert hand(s) orarm(s) during use. By providing a base passage 30 through base pillow12, a user may be able to achieve a higher level of comfort as comparedto conventional pillows that do not allow a user to pass a hand or armthrough the pillow. Base passage 30 also allows a user to pass hand(s)or arm(s) through the pillow to secure the position of the base pillow12 during use. This is important in many applications, as users tend tofall asleep and conventional travel and medical pillows will shift basedon movement from the means of transportation or just movement by theuser either traveling, in the hospital or at home or office. Basepassage 30 allows a user to anchor the pillow in place to prevent basepillow 12 from shifting during prolonged use. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, a user's arm 200 is may be inserted into base passage 30 whenbase pillow 12 is positioned against the user's body. Extension of theuser's arm 200 through base passage 30 provides both additional comfortto the user and also helps secure base pillow 12 in place to preventeither the base pillow 12 or the top pillow 14 from being accidentallydislodged while the user is asleep. As shown in FIG. 14 the base pillowcan be secured by the seatbelt. As also shown in FIG. 12, the base loweredge 22 is shaped, dimensioned and pliable to be easily received betweenan armrest 206 and a user's leg 204 in a seating environment such as anairplane seat.

In some embodiments, a user may wish to block the base passage 30 duringperiods of non-use or during use in a horizontal position when it is notdesired to use the base passage 30. A plug 70 is included with theupright sleep system 10 in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2. Plug 70includes a plush material in a shape corresponding with the shape ofbase passage 30. Plug 70 may be inserted into base passage 30 to fillbase passage 30, and may be removed by a user when usage of base passage30 is desired. Additionally, when plug 70 is installed in base pillow12, a user may use base pillow 12 lying a flat position, as seen in FIG.26.

Top pillow 14 may include may different shapes in different embodiments,including a regular rectangular shape shown in FIG. 1, or a bow-tieshape as shown in FIG. 2. The bow-tie shape generally refers to a shapewhere the middle of the top pillow 14 is constricted to a reducedcircumference, while the right and left sides of the top pillow 14 havea slightly larger circumference. The bow-tie shape provides additionalcomfort to a user when resting their face, head, chin or neck againstthe top pillow 14 during sleep. A cinch 42 may be disposed on top pillow14 in some embodiments, as seen In FIG. 2, to allow a user to adjust theconstriction of the top pillow 14. Cinch 42 may take many differentforms, including a drawstring, strap, buckle or other suitable mechanismfor cinching the middle region of top pillow 14. In other embodiments,top pillow 14 includes the shape of a regular rectangular or ellipsoidalsolid.

Another advantage of the present upright sleep system is theinterchangeability of coverings on the top pillow 14 and base pillow 12.For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, top pillow 14 may include aninterchangeable top pillow case 114. Top pillow case 114 includes a softtextile material to provide comfort to a user during use. Top pillowcase 114 includes a top pillow case opening 116 shaped to receive toppillow 14. Top pillow case opening 116 may be selectively closed aftertop pillow 14 is inserted into top pillow case 114. Top pillow case 114is dimensioned slightly larger than top pillow 14 to provide room fortop pillow case 114 to surround and enclose top pillow 14.

In some embodiments, top pillow 14 is fully or partially inflatable.This may be achieved by using an airtight chamber or bladder allowing auser to inflate and/or deflate top pillow 14 for storage or to provide adesired level of inflation for optimized comfort during use. A toppillow valve 60 is disposed on top pillow 14 in some embodiments asshown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 22 to allow inflation and deflation of thebladder portion of top pillow 14. Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectionalview of an inflatable embodiment of a top pillow 14 is shown. Top pillow14 includes a top pillow shell 52 surrounding a top pillow filler 54. Aninflatable top bladder 50 is disposed in top pillow shell 52 surroundedby top pillow filler 54. Top pillow filler 54 includes any suitablefiller material for providing comfort to a user, including but notlimited to a foam material, an open-cell foam, a closed cell foam, amemory foam, textile material, beads, feathers, natural fibers,artificial fibers, or other suitable filler materials. Inflatable topbladder 50 includes a bow-tie shape in some embodiments, or mayalternatively include other shapes such as a regular rectangular shapeor the shape of an ellipsoid. Top valve 60 provides a way for a user toinflate or deflate inflatable top bladder 50. Top valve 60 includes anysuitable valve such as a screw valve. In some embodiments, inflatabletop bladder 50 includes a self-inflating bladder utilizing aself-inflating PVC valve of the types used with self-inflating mattressand self-inflating pads. During use, a user may open top valve 60,allowing the self-inflating feature of inflatable top bladder 50 to beactivated. Once the self-inflating feature of inflatable top bladder 50provides self-inflation, a user may provide additional inflation byblowing into top valve 60. A user may then close top valve 60 once adesired inflation level is reached. Referring back to FIG. 4, top valve60 may be used when top pillow 14 is received in top pillow case 114without removing top pillow 14 from top pillow case 114 due to theposition of top valve 60 on the periphery of top pillow 14. Inflationmay be achieved either manually by blowing into the valve, or using amechanical or electrical pump coupled to the valve.

Referring further to FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the top pillow 14includes an inflatable configuration. In this embodiment, top pillow 14includes a bladder having a valve 60 for inflation. Top pillow shell 52forms an airtight chamber that can be inflated or deflated by the uservia valve 60. Top pillow shell 52 can include any suitable airtightmaterial of the types used in inflatable devices. A top pillow case maybe installed over top pillow 14 prior to or after inflation. In someembodiments, a top filler material 54 is disposed in top pillow shell 52on top pillow 14. Top filler material 54 may include any compressiblematerial to provide a self-inflating feature to top pillow 14. Topfiller material 54 may include but is not limited to a foam material, anopen-cell foam, a closed cell foam, a memory foam, textile material,beads, feathers, natural fibers, artificial fibers, or other suitablefiller materials. During transport or storage, a user may open valve 60and compress top pillow 14, thereby pushing the trapped air out of thetop pillow shell 52 while simultaneously compressing top filler material54. The user may then close valve 60 while top pillow 14 is in acompressed state, creating a vacuum to maintain the top pillow 14 in thecompressed size. When a user wishes to use top pillow 14, the valve 60may be opened allowing air to enter top pillow shell 52 while alsoallowing top filler material 54 to slightly expand.

Referring further to the cinching feature on some embodiments of toppillow 14, cinch 42 may be disposed directly on top pillow 14 as shownin FIG. 6 or alternatively as a pillow case cinch 118 disposed directlyon tip pillow case 114, as seen in FIG. 7. Cinch 42 includes a cinchlock 44 in some embodiments to secure cinch 42 at a desired engagementwith top pillow 14. Additionally, pillow case cinch 118 in someembodiments may also include a pillow case cinch lock 120 to securepillow case cinch 118 at a desired position. As shown in FIG. 5, inalternative embodiments, an integral pillow case cinch 118 is disposedinternal to top pillow case 114 to provide a desired bow-tie shape totop pillow 14 when top pillow 14 is installed in top pillow case 114.Integral pillow case cinch 118 may include a resilient material such asan elastic band sewn into or otherwise disposed on top pillow case 114.Each embodiment of top pillow case 114 includes a top pillow caseopening 116 positioned to receive the top pillow 14.

The interchangeability of top pillow case 114 allows a user to maintaina clean surface on top pillow 14 for cleanliness and comfort by changingout or reversing top pillow case 114 after use. Additionally, if a toppillow 14 is inadvertently dropped on the ground or other surface, thetop pillow case 114 may be changed to a clean top pillow case. Thisinterchangeability of the top pillow case 114 provides an advantage overconventional travel and medical pillows without such interchangeablefeatures.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, base pillow 12 also includesan inflatable configuration. For example, base pillow 12 may include abase shell 82 surrounding an inflatable base bladder 80. Inflatable basebladder 80 includes a self-inflating bladder utilizing a self-inflatingPVC valve of the types used with self-inflating mattresses andself-inflating pads. Inflatable base bladder 80 includes a correspondingbladder passage surrounding the base passage 30 in some embodiments. Abase filler 84 is positioned in the base shell 82 surrounding basebladder 80. Base filler 84 includes any suitable material for providingcomfort to a user, such as but not limited to a foam material, anopen-cell foam, a closed cell foam, a memory foam, textile material,beads, feathers, natural fibers, artificial fibers, or other suitablefiller materials.

During use, a user may open the base valve on the base bladder 80,allowing the self-inflating feature of inflatable base bladder 80 to beactivated. Once the self-inflating feature of inflatable base bladder 80provides self-inflation, a user may provide additional inflation byblowing into the base bladder valve. A user may then close the basevalve once a desired inflation level is reached.

In other configurations, the entire base pillow 12 is inflatable, asshown in FIG. 23. Base pillow 12 includes an inflatable chamber definedby base shell 82 in some embodiments. Base shell 82 includes anysuitable air-tight material for forming an inflatable pillow. A valve 60is disposed on base shell 82 to allow a user to inflate or deflate basepillow 12. Base pillow 12 may be compressed in size to allow for a morecompact form during travel or storage by releasing valve 60 and rollingor folding base pillow 12. In some embodiments, a base filler material84 is disposed inside base shell 82 to provide a self-expanding functionto the inflatable base pillow. As such, when valve 60 is opened, air mayenter base shell 82 via valve 60 allowing base filler material 84 toexpand slightly. Additionally, base filler material 84 may be providedto improve comfort and support of base pillow 12. Base filler material84 may include any suitable material, including but not limited to afoam material, an open-cell foam, a closed cell foam, a memory foam,textile material, beads, feathers, natural fibers, artificial fibers, orother suitable filler materials.

Base pillow 12 may be used in a partially-inflated state or in afully-inflated state. When base pillow 12 is used in apartially-inflated state, the overall form factor of base pillow 12 maynot be well defined, allowing the base pillow 12 to conform to the bodyof a user or the surroundings of a travel or medical environment.

The base pillow 12 includes an interchangeable base pillow case 112,surrounding base pillow 12, as seen in FIG. 1. Base pillow case 112provides an interchangeable cover for base pillow 12 to allow a user tohave a clean surface on base pillow 12. Alternatively, a user may wishto change out the base pillow case 112 or top pillow case 114 todifferent cases having various materials, designs or patterns fordecorative purposes, such as affiliations with sports teams, brands,advertising, or other content.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, a textured pattern, graphic designor other surface treatment may be applied directly onto the surface ofbase pillow 12 or top pillow 14 in some embodiments. Such treatmentallows for customization of the base pillow 12 or top pillow 14 and mayreduce the need for an additional pillow case. In addition, in someembodiments a user may use the base pillow standing alone, or the toppillow standing alone.

Referring back to FIG. 9, top pillow 14 may be positioned against basepillow 12 in a number of different orientations. As seen in FIG. 9 andFIG. 11, top pillow 12 is positioned against base pillow 12 along itsmajor surface lying flat. In alternative orientation, top pillow 14 maybe positioned in an upright orientation relative to base pillow 112 toachieve a desired support for sleep. For example, FIGS. 12-21 illustratenumerous configurations of use for the upright sleep system 10 of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, a user in an airplane seat mayposition the base pillow 12 on or alongside the user's body on orbetween the user's leg 204 and the armrest 206. The lower base edge 22of base pillow 12 fits between the user's leg 204 and the armrest 206.The base pillow 12 provides a platform for positioning the top pillow 14such that the user may rest the user's head, neck or torso against thetop pillow 14 while the top pillow 14 is simultaneously supported by thebase pillow 12. As such, the upright sleep system 10 provides stable andcomfortable apparatus for supporting a user's head, neck, face, chin,torso and arms in a travel or medical seating environment. To furtherincrease comfort and stability, the user may also place his or her arm200 through base passage 30 in base pillow 12.

An alternative configuration is shown in FIG. 13, whereby a user mayplace the base pillow 12 against a wall of an airplane or an adjacentarmrest 206 when sitting in a window seat. The user may then place thetop pillow 14 against the upper base edge 24 on the base pillow 12, andthe user may rest his or her head, neck or torso against the top pillow14 in this position. As such, the base pillow provides a stable supportfor the top pillow 14, supporting both the top pillow 14 and the user'sbody while the user rests. This helps prevent the user from nodding hisor her head while sleeping upright. As in all representations the usercan choose whether they want arm(s) in our out of the base passage 30.

Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative configuration is shown providingthe base pillow 12 positioned across a user's chest. The user's armswrap around the base pillow, and one of the user's hands or arms 200 mayextend into the base passage 30 to provide further support and comfort.The top pillow 14 in this configuration may be used behind the user'shead, neck or torso in a conventional pillow placement or on top of thebase pillow 12 with top pillow 14 under the chin. This configuration maybe used in a variety of different seating environments including traveland medical applications.

An additional configuration for the upright seating system is shown inFIG. 15. In this configuration, a user may sit in a seat or chair in anupright position with the base pillow 12 alongside the user's body or ontop of their leg. The user's opposite arm 200 may be placed in the basepassage 30. The top pillow 14 is located on the upper edge of the basepillow 12, and the base pillow 12 provides a stable platform forsupporting the top pillow 14. The base pillow 12 is wedged in placeagainst the user's body or on top of their leg, and the tapered shape ofthe base pillow 12 allows the base pillow 12 to fit against the user'slower body without being too bulky while simultaneously providingadequate support for the top pillow 14 and the user's upper torso andarms.

As seen in FIG. 16, in another configuration a user may wrap his or herarms around the exterior of the base pillow 12, while the top pillow 14is placed between the user's head, neck or torso and the upper edge ofthe top pillow 14. The base pillow 12 thus acts as a stable platform tosupport both the user's head, neck, chin or torso and the top pillow.

In yet another embodiments, shown in FIG. 17, a user may position thebase pillow 12 across his or her lap in a travel or medical seatingenvironment. Similarly, in this position, a user may place the basepillow 12 on a convertible tray table on the seatback in front of theuser on an airplane. The base pillow 12 provides a cushioned base forthe top pillow 14, which the user may adjust to provide a maximum levelof comfort. The base pillow 12 remains relatively stationary in thisposition, and the user is free to move the top pillow to an optimallocation for sleeping. In this position, plug 70 shown in FIG. 2 may beused to block base passage 30.

As seen in FIG. 18, base pillow 12 may also be used as a back supportbehind the user's torso, while the top pillow 14 is used to support theuser's head, neck or torso. In this embodiment, top pillow 14 can restagainst the upper edge of base pillow 12. To provide lumbar support, thebase pillow may be flipped along its horizontal axis such that thethicker end is oriented down, and the more narrow end extends upwardlytoward the user's head, neck or torso. The thickness and height of basepillow 12 may take many forms, and these parameters may be adjusted toaccommodate users of different sizes.

Referring to FIG. 19, in another embodiment, a user sitting in an aisleseat may place the base pillow 12 between the user's leg and an armreston the seat. The user's arm on the same side as the base pillow 12 mayextend around the side of the base pillow and into base passage 30. Theuser's opposite arm may reach around and grab the side edge of the basepillow 12. The top pillow 14 rests on the upper edge of the base pillow12, thereby supporting the user's head, neck, chin or torso.

As seen in FIG. 20, an upright pillow system 10 may be positioned with abase pillow placed across a user's lap, and a top pillow resting againsta side edge of the base pillow. The user's chin may rest on the toppillow while the top pillow is being supported by the side edge of thebase pillow. This configuration allows a user to achieve support for thetop pillow at a slightly lower elevation than if the top pillow wereresting against the top edge of the base pillow.

Referring to FIG. 21, an alternative configuration is illustratedshowing a single base pillow supporting first and second top pillows. Abase pillow is positioned between first and second users. A first toppillow associated with a first user is positioned against the upper edgeof the base pillow, and a second top pillow associated with a seconduser is also positioned against the upper edge of the base pillow. Thebase pillow provides a support for both the first and second top pillowsat the same time.

Numerous other configurations for the upright sleep system of thepresent disclosure may be realized when in use. The disclosedembodiments and configurations of the upright sleep system are presentedonly as examples, and are not intended to illustrate all possibleembodiments and configurations for the apparatus.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful Upright Sleep System, it is notintended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scopeof this invention except as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An upright sleep apparatus, comprising: aninflatable base pillow having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first sideedge, and a second side edge, the top edge having a top edge thicknessand a top edge length, the bottom edge having a bottom edge thicknessand a bottom edge length, the inflatable base pillow including a frontpillow face and a back pillow face; a platform region defined on the topedge of the base pillow; a top pillow in spaced relation to the basepillow, the top pillow shaped to rest against the platform region on thetop edge of the base pillow; and a passage defined entirely through thebase pillow from the front pillow face to the back pillow face, thepassage providing an opening in the base pillow, wherein the platform isshaped to support the top pillow, and wherein the top edge thickness ofthe inflatable base pillow is greater than the bottom edge thickness ofthe inflatable base pillow when the inflatable base pillow is inflated.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top edge thickness of theinflatable base pillow is approximately twice the bottom edge thicknessof the inflatable base pillow.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thefirst and second side edges of the inflatable base pillow includesubstantially the same shape.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein thefirst and second side edges of the inflatable base pillow form atrapezoid shape.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a cinchdisposed on the top pillow, wherein the cinch is operable to restrict aportion of the top pillow, forming a bow-tie shape.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, further comprising a cinch lock disposed on the cinch to securethe top pillow in a restricted bow-tie shape.
 7. The apparatus of claim3, wherein the inflatable base pillow is compressible.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, the inflatable base pillow further comprising a base pillowfiller disposed inside the base pillow, wherein the base pillow fillercomprises a foam material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a base valve on the inflatable base pillow.
 10. The apparatusof claim 3, further comprising a base shell on the inflatable basepillow surrounding the base pillow filler, wherein the base shell is anairtight material.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising atether having a first tether end secured to the inflatable base pillowand a second tether end secured to the top pillow.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 3, the top pillow further comprising a top pillow filler, whereinthe top pillow is inflatable and wherein the top pillow filler comprisesa foam.
 13. An upright sleep apparatus, comprising: an inflatable toppillow having a top pillow bladder and a top pillow case; an inflatablebase pillow in spaced relation to the top pillow, the base pillowincluding a base pillow case and a base pillow bladder; and a tetherextending between the inflatable top pillow and the inflatable basepillow, wherein the inflatable base pillow includes a passage definedthrough the base pillow.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising a removable plug disposed in the base passage.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising a cinch disposed on the toppillow.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a cinchdisposed on the top pillow case.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe inflatable top pillow further comprises a top pillow shell and a toppillow filler, wherein the top pillow bladder is disposed in top pillowshell surrounded by top pillow filler and the top pillow shell surroundsthe top pillow filler.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein theinflatable base pillow further comprises a base pillow shell and basepillow filler, wherein the base pillow shell surrounds the base pillowbladder and the base pillow filler is positioned in the base pillowshell surrounding base pillow bladder.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein the top pillow case is removable and changeable.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the tether is selectively removable fromthe base pillow.